Where in Gaza did the incident happen?

A mound of sand collapsed onto tents sheltering displaced Palestinians south of Deir el-Balah in the Gaza Strip.

Sand pile collapses onto displaced families’ tents in Gaza

Q: What did Civil Defence ask international organisations to do?

It called for safe shelter for displaced families and for tents to be moved away from sandy areas, slopes and places at risk of collapse.

A sand pile collapsed onto tents housing displaced Palestinians south of Deir el-Belah in the Gaza Strip. According to a statement from the Palestinian Civil Defence Directorate reported by İHA, 3 children and 2 women were killed. Following the incident, which occurred during a period of heavy rainfall, the directorate called for safe shelter to be provided for families.

Key facts about the incident

Many people were trapped under the sand pile.
Local residents also took part in the rescue efforts.
The injured and the bodies of those killed were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and Nasser Hospital.

Electricity and equipment obstacles hamper rescue efforts

According to local sources, Civil Defence teams used hand tools to reach those buried under the sand. Local residents also helped the teams.

What warnings were issued for families living in tents?

The Palestinian Civil Defence Directorate warned against pitching tents or staying near sand piles and high mounds of earth, particularly in rainy weather. It called on international organisations and the relevant authorities to provide safe shelter for displaced families and move tents away from sandy areas, slopes and places at risk of collapse.

Rain and wind worsened shelter conditions

The incident occurred during a period of heavy rain and strong winds caused by a low-pressure system affecting the Gaza Strip. The adverse weather had flooded tents housing tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians and caused material damage.

According to İHA’s report, these families had been forced to leave their homes to escape intense Israeli bombardment. Officials continue to warn about the dangers in areas where tents are located, as well as the risk of collapse in buildings and structures damaged during the war.